Ruth Meinzen-Dick

Ruth Meinzen-Dick is a Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), based in Washington DC, and Coordinator of the CGIAR Program on Collective Action and Property Rights (CAPRi).

How many of us want to address gender in our work, but when it comes down to the specifics, aren’t quite sure how? Join the discussion- help us develop a series of collaborative questions to investigate gender in agricultural water management projects.

Recent experience across the developing world leaves no doubt that secure land rights for women is a fundamental requirement for ensuring that land management is sustainable and equitable. Plenty of evidence shows that, with secure rights, women are more likely to plant trees and take other actions that enhance ecosystems.

The evidence base is growing: strengthening women’s land rights contributes to women’s empowerment and household welfare. But it isn’t that simple - there are always vested interests to protect the status quo along with the additional issues of navigating gender norms. How can we improve women's land tenure? Join the discussion

What are we actually talking about when we refer to women’s land rights? Here’s what the research is showing us: ten papers from IFPRI authors and partners highlight what we know and what we don’t know - but really should! - about gender and land tenure.

Rumor has it that women are naturally the more environmentally conscious sex. As “keepers of the earth” they are the ones who selflessly care for the planet and are the ones who will bear the disproportionate burden as it is degraded. But is this really true?

If sustainable intensification is possible, one thing is clear: it requires investment. That investment may be in the form of new infrastructure, technologies, inputs, time, labor, or knowledge, but whatever the form there is a cost. The question is, who will bear it?